About Sally Shepherd

Sally is a counsellor who comes from a teaching and pastoral background, and has lived in Whangarei for most of her life, still works in Whangarei and now lives in Kerikeri. She is a dedicated therapist with 18 years’ experience helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges.

She enjoys working holistically and integratively with people from different walks of life. She sees a need for people to express their own spiritual/and cultural values as part of achieving their own well-being. She works using CBT, Mindfulness, Narrative, and some havening work. Also having trained in Drug & Alcohol therapy, she uses Motivational Interviewing to encourage people, in their quest for sobriety, to work with D&A centres for the best help. 

Her supervisors have been, and still are, psychotherapists, so she brings a flavour of psychotherapy into her work from this training.

She holds a certificate in supervision and offer clinical supervision and has facilitated group work on Boundaries.

Her specialised work and desire is in supporting clients working with anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship issues and ACC sensitive claims trauma work, to offer strategies that help them, by providing a tailored therapeutic approach, honouring each person’s unique journey. Her goal is to create a safe non-judgmental space where you feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life. Working together to create clarity, resilience and personal growth.

Sally Shepherd

Counsellor/Supervisor - Whangarei

Professional Background

Sally has been a counsellor, relationship therapist, and external supervisor for 18 years. Alongside her lived experience, she brings extensive academic training and professional affiliations that reflect her commitment to high standards of care and continuous learning.

Qualifications and Professional Training

  • Bachelor of Counselling, WelTec Auckland, 2008
  • Diploma of Teaching, Auckland College of Education / University of Auckland, 1996
  • Certified Supervisor, 2013
  • Advanced Training in Imago Relationship Therapy
  • ACC Sensitive Claims Provider Training
  • Drug & Alcohol Studies, WelTec
  • NZQA Ministry Training Programme
  • Ongoing professional development in trauma-informed practice, addiction support and relationship
    therapy

Professional Registrations

  • Registered Member, New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC)
  • Registered ACC Sensitive Claims Counsellor

Hi, I'm Sally,

I’ve worked in general counselling now for 18 years in the north . I come with a background in teaching and leadership and pastoral care.

Counselling has been a deepening of what had already been, for me, a natural move in my past work.

I’ve worked across education , organisational and co- leading in community leadership roles. I have co-facilitated guiding groups in process and workshops. These roles put me alongside people in the middle of change and growth in their lives. Supervisory roles mean I have journeyed with people through the high stress points in their lives and the unpredictability of their futures .

Women , in particular I’ve noticed have been put in roles as carers, and nurturers often putting themselves last . They come tired , overwhelmed and anxious . And in the process they also loose the thread of who they are themselves . My intention is to help women find themselves again and make space to be themselves, where they can settle and not have to feel they need to perform .

training as Counsellor , for me, wasn't just about being a help but to make sure I had the best tools for people , so they gain insight, make milestones that carry deep emotional meaning and transformation begins in their lives.

You Don’t Have to Keep Pushing Through

There are times in life where things begin to feel heavy, overwhelming or simply too much to carry on your own. Sometimes people have spent so long caring for others, holding things together, or managing stress, that they lose sight of themselves in the process.

My approach is practical, grounded and shaped through real life experience alongside people in seasons of change, uncertainty and growth. Together we make space to slow things down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and begin finding a way forward that feels calmer, clearer and more manageable.